Public Information Statement
Issued by NWS Little Rock, AR

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NOUS44 KLZK 271203
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ARZ003>008-012>017-021>025-030>034-037>047-052>057-062>069-272000-

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
600 AM CST Tue Feb 27 2024

...Todays Topic for Severe Weather Awareness Week is Lightning...

The National Weather Service, in cooperation with the Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management, has proclaimed the week of
February 25th through March 2nd as Severe Weather Awareness Week
in Arkansas.

A different topic will be discussed each day, and todays topic
is lightning.

Lightning is a hazard in all thunderstorms, whether they are
severe or not. In the last 30 years, lightning was the third
deadliest thunderstorm hazard behind flash floods and tornadoes.
In that time frame, there was an average of 40 to 50 fatalities
a year due to lightning across the country. However, since 2001,
the number of deaths is less than 30 annually.

Most lightning deaths occur in the summer (June, July and
August) when people are outdoors. Eight out of ten
victims of lightning are male.

If a person is struck by lightning, that persons body will not
retain any electrical charge. Thus, the injured person can and
should be cared for immediately.

Lightning can strike as much as 10 miles away from a thunderstorm
cloud. Given this, it is no surprise that most lightning deaths
occur as a thunderstorm is approaching or moving away, and not
necessarily overhead.

Lightning tends to strike tall objects, but not always. The air
is a poor conductor of electricity, so lightning will often go
the shortest distance to make a connection from cloud to ground.

Statistics show that Arkansas is a top 10 state as far as lightning
activity in the last ten years. The state experiences more than
800,000 cloud-to-ground lightning flashes per year.

...Some Lightning Safety Rules...

Remember, it is lightning that causes thunder. If you can hear
thunder, you are in danger from lightning. When thunder roars, go
indoors. The safest place is a fully-enclosed building that is
grounded. A hard-top car is also a safe location. Keep the windows
rolled up and do not touch metal inside the vehicle.

Do not take shelter in small sheds, pavilions, or tents, or under
trees. Stay away from higher elevations spots such as hilltops, and
avoid nearby poles and towers.

Move away from chain-link fences and other metal fences such as
those around ballparks and playgrounds.

Motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, and farm tractors are not safe
places.

If you are in the water, get out immediately. If you are in a
boat, head toward safe harbor.

Organizers of events/activities are advised to designate a
weather watcher. Assign an official who will stop the
events/activities when lightning becomes imminent. Have
specific evacuation instructions in place so people know
where to go.

Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity, so do
not use electrical appliances or corded phones. Computers and
other expensive electronic equipment may be damaged by power
surges. You may consider unplugging these items.

Stay out of the bathtub or shower.

Get off the golf course.

&&

For a list of all the tornadoes and other significant weather
events that occurred in 2023...

https://www.weather.gov/media/lzk/StormsOf2023.pdf

$$

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